A few days ago I asked my daughter Zoe what her greatest challenge is with technology. Zoe is a new mother of a one-month-old baby girl. She barely hesitated before answering.
Information Overwhelm.
She was holding her daughter in her arms as she answered my question. She went on…
I’m reading a lot and watching videos. There is so much to learn. I could be reading all the time. But I don’t want to miss this…
And she gestured between her eyes and the eyes of the tiny human held close to her chest.
I think we all know this feeling. People talk a lot about FOMO—fear of missing out—usually in relationship to social media. Tweens and teens are especially susceptible to FOMO. But this is more like Fear of Missing Something Important. FOMSI. (I’m half joking here.) It’s complicated…it happens constantly.
What can help us in navigating the Info Ocean? Our children are watching us closely.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Identify what you value and keep it right in front of you. Write a personal mission statement. Turning the focus inward to articulate what really matters is a good practice. Zoe has identified deep connection with her daughter as a primary value. That awareness will guide her when she takes a breath and pauses to notice how she’s feeling amidst the huge new data influx about motherhood, child development, attachment parenting, etc.
Make something. Switch from taking in information to create mode. Cook, craft, doodle, sew, write a poem, handwrite a letter to someone you care about.
Get social. Invite a friend for tea. Tell each other a story about your childhood that you haven’t shared. FaceTime your cousin or your Great Aunt Bea.
Inhabit your body. Dance. Do yoga. Take a slow walk even if it’s just around the block. Get on all fours and imitate a favorite animal. Remember your primate relations.
Play. Improvise a song. Young children will love it. Tweens or teens may flee but they’ll notice something’s up.
Rest. Find a patch of earth, lie down, and watch the clouds for at least 5 minutes (with your cell phone in airplane mode).
Here’s an invitation. I would love to hear what your current challenge with technology is. Write me (to respond, use the Contact Form in the About section) and let me know. I’ll schedule a video call with you to talk. If you’re in the Bay Area, let’s have tea.
Jasper Doest
What I’ve been reading: Journalist Rebecca Ruiz wrote an article, The Skills that every teen should learn before they ever get a cellphone. Give it a read! Mindful Digital Life and yours truly got a mention. That was exciting.
What I’m watching: Speaking of creator mode, my friend Nanda Currant created this video, Ode to a Beach Hawk. It’s a lovely two minute piece. #GrowYourSenseOfPlace
